"All in all, a big thumbs up to Good Hope Hospital"

I gave birth to both my children in Good Hope Hospital, the first in May 2011 and the second in March 2013. I had planned to have both babies at home, but after 12 hours of labour it became clear that my first son was going to need help coming out and I developed obstetric cholestasis during the late stages of pregnancy with my second son so had to be induced at 38 weeks.

In both cases, the staff at Good Hope Hospital were impressive. I work for the NHS so know how challenging things are in the health service, especially for HEFT, the Trust which has responsibility for Good Hope. Despite staff shortages, particularly for midwives, the staff on the delivery suite in 2011 could not have made me feel more cared for, especially one midwife who made it her mission for me to have the delivery I so wanted, rather than resorting to a caesarean. A second midwife then stayed with us after the delivery, provided toast and jam for my exhausted husband and myself and ensured we were comfortable.

In 2013 I had to go to Good Hope to be induced. The first midwife I met was wonderful, really caring, ensuring she explained everything clearly, that I had understood the process and treated me with real respect and dignity. I arrived at 10am, the process started at 12 and by 8. 15pm my second son had arrived.

We never made it to the delivery suite! The last stage of labour was really fast and possibly due to a staff handover at the critical time, I don't think they realised how close I was to delivery. However, I was really pleased as giving birth on the assessment unit meant no interventions and I could just give birth naturally. I pity the other poor women who were on the unit at the time as it's usually such a peaceful place(! ), but it turned out to be the next best thing to a home birth, assisted by two marvellous, gentle, sensitive, encouraging midwives.

Again, the immediate after care was excellent and although they were so short staffed (Saturday) they were unable to find someone to stitch me up, it really didn't matter because I knew they were doing their best - there was no suggestion of complacency or lack of compassion.

So, all in all, a big thumbs up to Good Hope Hospital!